Montana’s largest brewfest heading to Caras Park

The 25th annual Garden City BrewFest will take place Saturday, May 6, 2017 in Caras Park from noon to 8 pm. The Garden City BrewFest serves as the grand finale of the 6th annual Missoula Craft Beer Week.

This year’s Garden City BrewFest will feature over 70 draft beers, as well as a wine bar, making it the largest beer fest in Montana. The selection represents an assortment of local favorites, as well as some of the best regional beers.

The greatest variety of beer will be available early in the day as some beers are limited release. Early attendance is therefore encouraged.

“Garden City BrewFest is the perfect way for the Missoula community to come out and finally embrace the warm, spring weather and get excited for the upcoming summer,” said Emily Kannady, Garden City BrewFest committee chair. “With the immense support from our community, the event has grown to its successful status of being Montana’s largest BrewFest and with such a vibrant energy surrounding the entire event it’s evident why it’s such a success.”

The event will also feature many of Missoula’s favorite musicians and bands. Rotgut Whines kicks off the event from 12-2 p.m., followed by Letter B from 2:30-5 p.m. The Dodgy Mountain Men will wrap up the event from 5:30-8 pm.

As in the past, admission to the event is free. Those who want to sample beer must purchase a 7-ounce commemorative glass, wristband, and three beer tokens for $15. Additional beer tokens are two for $3.

For $20, you can buy a glass and seven tokens. Designated drivers receive free water and soda for the duration of the event and a designated driver white wristband is available at each entrance. Mountain Line provides Zero-Fare transit service on all routes.

The beer selection will be complemented by a lineup of some favorite local food vendors, including Clove Cart Pizza, Covered Wagon Hot Dogs, Dobi’s Teriyaki, El Cazador, Wally & Buck, and What’s a Viking.

All of the beers at BrewFest will be judged by the Zoo City Zymurgists – Missoula’s local home brew club. The Zymurgists will select winners in a variety of categories, from which they pick a “best in show” beer.

Garden City BrewFest started 25 years ago by five people who had no idea that the event would soon become a signature event in Missoula. The evening is sponsored by Bayern Brewing Company, Farmer’s State Bank, Gecko Designs, The Trail 103.3, the Missoula Independent, McLean Properties, and Montana Distillery.

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